Jenny Munro talks to Nicola McCreery

NICOLA
McCreery, 19, recently opened a dog grooming business in
Lisburn called `Dapper Dogz'. The former beauty therapist
decided she wanted a new career after having spent some time
working at a local dog grooming parlour.

She completed several courses including
dog grooming and setting up in business before opening
`Dapper Dogz', which is located at Rushmore Drive on the
Knockmore Road.

Nicola lives in Culcavey with her family and
enjoys working with animals.

I get up at 6.45am on weekday mornings and
get ready before having breakfast.

I leave the house at 8am and when I get into
work I spend the first hour cleaning and making sure the
place smells nice for when the first dog arrives with its
owner.

I cater for all breeds. New clients must
sign a statement that to the best of their knowledge their
dog is in good health before I can start grooming.

I look at the dog's coat and check for any
signs of illness. If a dog is ill or looks in poor condition
I make a note and inform its owners that their pet may need
to see a vet.

The dog is washed with special organic
treatments and Tea-tree ointment may be put in the animal's
ears. Then I blast dry the dog and brush its coat.

The dogs are normally with me for an average
of two hours and I usually have between one and three dogs
at any time. Depending on how busy the appointment book is I
might manage to get a short break for lunch and go somewhere
close by for a sandwich.

If I am not too busy 1 update animal records
and do general administration as well as taking bookings
over the phone.

I usually finish at 5pm but before I leave 1
disinfect the grooming room, tidy the record cards and put
on the answering machine. When I get home I'll have dinner
with my family and some evenings I carry out beauty
procedures on my friends and family. I trained as a beauty
therapist and it's a nice past time.

I use a room in my parents' house and the
treatments I do include waxing, tinting, massages,
pedicures, manicures and facials.

I also spend a lot of time in the evenings
with my fianc� Ronnie. I enjoy going to the cinema, watching
TV and socialising with friends.

I have quite a few dogs to take care off
too. I love animals and if I ever come across a stray dog or
cat I'll try and find a home for it. If an injured animal
comes across my path I have to make sure it receives proper
attention from my local vet who is getting to know me very
well!

Before going to bed I listen to music to
help me relax and I might read a novel. I enjoy my work, as
I love animals. I'm lucky my family and fiancé have given me
so much support in starting up my own business.